I have been planning to do some farbric dyeing next summer, and this thread is interesting reading. Thank you! I suppose you are using reactive dyes? They have different brand names here. Gradation dyed fabrics look so beautiful! And just what quilter needs; a lot of shades. They would work on bargello style quilt. I have not dyed fabric for many years, so lot of things to re-learn.

Thanks for the great advice I will be looking for the books and keeping the book with small samples is great. your colors are very pretty. I do use soda ash not pot ash. I'm not sure what part of my mind that came from lol. I'm going to order the urea salt in the next few days. I'm all excited and ready to try the next batch. Thanks again Aunt Ralfie

I to use the dharma dyes and I've loved all my colors but I haven't been real successful at putting out a deep rich color I use pot ash should I be using salt as well? Thanks so much for all your help Bettyann I really appreciate it.

I have learned from Ann Jonston's books
COLOR BY DESIGN: PAINT & PRINT WITH DYE and COLOR BY ACCIDENT
that the dye is better diluted in the water and the water can hold more dye when you add urea salt, so that could be your problem with richer colors. You definitely should use soda ash, because that is making the permanent bond to the fiber. And again, the temperature is important too.

Another book, that have widened my universe of dyeing is this book
Fabric Dyer's Dictionary by Linda Johanson

She recommend some other colors to make your recepies from and I have been very happy with what I get. It's not always the same color as in the book, but if you work from it, you get something that matches each other.

The color will be different too dependent on how heavy weight your fabric is, so make something where you use the same amount of fabric every time to make yourself a kind of reference guide. I note how much the fabric weighs and put a little square in my book for later use.

Here is an example of what I have done for one project. I have notes of fabric type and weight on another page in the book. In this case I wanted soft colors.

living in Central DenmarkCharlie Brown: The secret is to look fantastic at a distance

Thank you so much for the help I use soda ash not pot ash( don't know what I was thinking). I bought a bolt of pfd fabric so I'm on the right track there. So guess its just dye dye dye till I get what I want. lol thanks again

I do not know if pot ash and soda ash are the same thing. The formulas I have used -some use salt some don't. If you want deeper colors use more dye powder or try adding a little black to your dye bath. As the chemical makeup of your water, the temp. when you dye and sooooo many other things factor in, each dyer must find the balance that works for them. Prepared for dying (PFD) fabric does make a big difference. If there is a finishing layer on the cloth, the dye will not bond with the fibers as well. All the extra dye in the world won't help if it can't get to the fiber. Keep at it and have fun. Betty Ann

I to use the dharma dyes and I've loved all my colors but I haven't been real successful at putting out a deep rich color I use pot ash should I be using salt as well? Thanks so much for all your help Bettyann I really appreciate it.

When I first started dyeing, I kept a record of measurements of dye powder, water, salt and so forth. Now I understand that as long as you add dye and soda ash, you will get a color. The fun is in the surprise. I often just dump together what is left of the dyes. I have gotten some great colors. They are precious because they are a one time only happening. If you are planning to re-create any dye color you do be sure to keep a good record. I figure if the yarn companies tell us to buy from the same dye lot, that means they don't get it the same every time. Why should I try to. Relax. it isn't rocket science. You will get a color!!! If you don't care for it, give hand dyed fabric to a quiltin' buddy for Christmas. Have fun. Betty Ann

Betty Ann - A question from a total rookie..... do you track.write down dye mixture amounts and time left in the dye bucket? Or do you work more from experience and gut? Any advice for someone who is getting started? I have not attempted dying yet, but am slowly doing research and will jump in when the urge hits me. Thanks!!! Mary Kay

In this group of five the 'pure' color is not included so they are all mixtures. Though I believe the photo is representative of the color variation, it's always arbitrary whether or not the colors will actually look the same as my dyes on your monitor.

Looks good. I find it easier to just be happy with what I get than trying to get what's in my mind. Waiting to peek is the hardest thing about dyeing. I do my dyeing in the late afternoon so I am busy in the evening and have to leave it over night. The colors seem richer when left to cure. Keep playing . Betty Ann